Kaduna-based Christian cleric, Pastor Yohanna Buru, has led members of his church to join Muslims in Kaduna in celebrating Eid-el-Maulud, in a renewed demonstration of interfaith solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
Buru, General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, said the gesture was intended to promote religious tolerance, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and stronger relationships between Christians and Muslims.
He and members of his church joined thousands of Muslims at Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna, for the celebration.
Buru said the Maulud gathering marked the 11th consecutive year of his participation in the celebration alongside Muslims in Kaduna and other parts of northern Nigeria. He described the occasion as an opportunity for people of different faiths to interact, deepen their understanding of one another and build lasting relationships.
Delivering a lecture on peace and unity, the cleric described Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a messenger whose teachings on peace, love and compassion remained relevant to humanity.
He urged Nigerians to set aside religious and ethnic differences, forgive past grievances and work collectively towards building a peaceful and united nation.
Buru said Christians and Muslims shared a belief in one Creator and should draw on the Bible and Qur’an to promote peace and harmonious coexistence.
The cleric, who is a recipient of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week recognition by King Abdullah II of Jordan, said participating in Maulud celebrations did not compromise his Christian faith but reflected his commitment to strengthening interfaith understanding.
He disclosed that he participates in more than 30 Maulud celebrations annually across different states in Nigeria and some neighbouring countries.
Also speaking, Rev. Rawland Sanda said Christian leaders had continued to honour invitations to Muslim Maulud celebrations, just as Muslims were invited to Christian festivities during Christmas.
Islamic scholars, Imam Mohammed Musa and Imam Iliyasu Yusuf of Zaria, commended Buru’s initiative and called on the Federal Government to recognise him nationally for his contributions to peacebuilding and religious tolerance.
